PNG launches new Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan with UNDP's support

On September 25, the Government of Papua New Guinea launched its new Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan 2026–2035 in Port Moresby.

September 25, 2026

The new strategy aims to create one million new jobs in the cocoa sector over the next decade

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

On September 25, Papua New Guinea’s cocoa sector celebrated a major milestone marked as the Government of Papua New Guinea officially launched its new Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan 2026–2035 in Port Moresby.

The new plan provides a long-term roadmap to modernise PNG’s cocoa sector by moving towards sustainable, low-emission production systems, improving traceability and compliance with global market requirements, and promoting growth for smallholder farmers.

The strategy also places strong emphasis on creating opportunities for women and young people, strengthening value addition and agribusiness development, and promoting climate-smart technologies that can improve farmer incomes while reducing pressure on forests and biodiversity. It sets an ambitious target of creating 1 million jobs in the cocoa sector over the next 10 years.

The strategy was launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. John Boito

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Through their joint 'Establishing Systems for Sustainable Integrated Land-use Planning Across New Britain Island Programme' funded by the Global Environment Facility, UNDP and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority of the Government of Papua New Guinea helped integrate sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and compliance with EU regulations on deforestation into the strategy.

The strategy was launched by Minister of Agriculture Hon. John Boito, in the presence of Members of Parliament, senior representatives of the cocoa sector and the Government’s development partners.

“Cocoa is truly our national crop. It is grown across all provinces and over 200,000 households depend on it daily. It pays school fees, funds healthcare, builds homes and provides a pathway to live with dignity. That is why the future of cocoa must remain an urgent national priority. This strategic plan serves as a roadmap to transform our rural economy, improve livelihoods and achieve our government’s broader agricultural goals,” the Minister said.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Aadil Mansoor, emphasized the importance of securing the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Speaking at the launch, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Aadil Mansoor, emphasised the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.

“The linkage between cocoa production and protected area management, forest conservation, and landscape integrity is critical. Sustainable cocoa development must go hand in hand with efforts to protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and maintain ecosystem services that underpin long-term productivity and resilience," he stated.

CEPA’s National Project Director, Ms. Kay Kumaras Kalim, stressed the importance of linking cocoa cultivation with conservation efforts

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Moreover, CEPA’s National Project Director Ms Kay Kumaras Kalim highlighted the importance of connecting cocoa livelihoods with environmental protection.

“We look at livelihoods as a crucial tool for maintaining protected areas, as our country consists of landowners. Failure to meet the standards is a real risk, including loss of market access, reduced competitiveness, and increased pressure on forests and biodiversity. Our aim is to have our biodiversity sustained in a manner that benefits communities. This strategic plan allows us to introduce those best land management practices, enabling farmers to till the same plots of land without cutting down any trees,” she concluded.

Through the 'Establishing Systems for Sustainable Integrated Land-use Planning across New Britain Island' Programme, UNDP has also worked with tens of thousands of cocoa farmers in New Britain to improve the sustainability and productivity of cocoa farming households. UNDP will integrate the aims and priorities of the new strategy and action plan into the programme as it continues to strengthen the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of the island's cocoa sector in the coming years.